Continuing Transparency: Evolution of the Beverage Institute of Health and Wellness

Sep 14, 2016

Share:

Copy Page URL to ClipboardPage URL Copied to Clipboard

Coca-Cola, the brand and the Company, has grown from one iconic drink to more than 500 brands and 3,600 different offerings globally. We have built this portfolio of brands by understanding the consumer.

In 2013, we committed to support physical activity programs around the globe, while continuing to invest in scientific research on the role of physical activity in human health. We believed that was the best way for us to help advance the fight against obesity.

As the largest non-alcoholic beverage company, we naturally wanted to be part of this discussion and believed that using science-based knowledge to better inform the debate about obesity was the best approach to being a valuable partner in finding a solution. While well-intended, our focus on scientific research and physical activity created confusion that ultimately led to mistrust.

In the spirit of transparency, we have publicly disclosed our financial support of scientific research and community programming over the last five years and we have committed to update that disclosure in the United States every six months. Additionally, we have sunset our support of the Beverage Institute of Health and Wellness.

We are focused on the way forward and evaluating our approach to obesity. Right now, we are listening and learning from leading experts in the public health community to identify where we can be a more helpful and credible partner. We are taking a deeper look at our operations and processes to identify areas where we must adapt and evolve. This includes our support of some programs, such as the Beverage Institute of Health and Wellness, as we shift to refocus our investments and our efforts on strengthening our communities.

The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is the world’s largest beverage company, offering over 500 brands to people in more than 200 countries. Of our 21 billion-dollar brands, 19 are available in lower- or no-sugar options to help people moderate their consumption of added sugar. In addition to our namesake Coca-Cola drinks, some of our leading brands around the world include: AdeS soy-based beverages, Ayataka green tea, Dasani waters, Del Valle juices and nectars, Fanta, Georgia coffee, Gold Peak teas and coffees, Honest Tea, Minute Maid juices, Powerade sports drinks, Simply juices, smartwater, Sprite, vitaminwater, and Zico coconut water. At Coca-Cola, we’re serious about making positive contributions to the world. That starts with reducing sugar in our drinks and continuing to introduce new ones with added benefits. It also means continuously working to reduce our environmental impact, creating rewarding careers for our associates and bringing economic opportunity wherever we operate. Together with our bottling partners, we employ more than 700,000 people around the world.

The fairlife® brand is owned by fairlife, LLC, our joint venture with Select Milk Producers, Inc., and fairlife’s products are distributed by our Company and certain of our bottling partners.